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Japan confirm they will hosts Wales in two Test matches next year, although Warren Gatland and many of his star names will be away with the British and Lions

Wales will play Japan in two Test matches in June next year.

Last Updated: 24/09/12 9:06am

Eddie Jones: Wales to face his Japan side in two Tests in 2013

Warren Gatland's men will play the Brave Blossoms in Osaka on June 8, and in Tokyo a week later.

Eddie Jones' team will not be playing Wales first choice XV, or coach - Warren Gatland and his star players will be touring Australia at the same time with the Lions.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Japan to play Wales, one of the foremost teams in the world," Aussie Jones said. "Playing these games is invaluable to us if we are to achieve our goal of getting into the top 10.

Jones, a former Wallabies coach who took over the Asian champions in April, has vowed to lead his squad into the top 10 before the next World Cup in England, as Japan prepare to host the 2019 edition.

"There is a big gap between the level of rugby played in Japan and international rugby," Jones said.

"These two Tests are so important. But two are not enough. You can't play low-level teams and improve. We need 10 games like this a year."

Japan will tour Europe in November for a series of games including Tests against Romania and Georgia.